Softball Powerhouse Bertazzoni Collecchio Bolsters roster with star Player Erika Piancastelli
In a major move to kick off the new year, top Italian softball club Bertazzoni Collecchio has announced the signing of Erika Piancastelli. The announcement came on Friday, January 3rd, sending ripples of excitement through the softball community. Piancastelli, a standout player for the Italian national team, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the emilian squad.
Piancastelli’s remarkable resume includes four european championship titles, achieved with the Italian national team in Rosmalen (2015), Ostrava (2019), Castions di Strada (2021), and most recently, Utrecht (2024). Her arrival at Bertazzoni Collecchio is expected to substantially bolster the team’s chances in the upcoming season. The club is aiming to build upon its strong performance in the previous year, where it consistently challenged for the top spot in the Italian softball championship.
This strategic acquisition highlights Bertazzoni Collecchio’s commitment to fielding a competitive team capable of contending for national and international titles.With Piancastelli’s leadership and talent, the club is poised to make a strong impact on the softball landscape in the coming years.
After a triumphant Olympic run with the Italian national team in Tokyo 2020,where she amassed an impressive 127 appearances,the seasoned softball star is making a highly anticipated return to the Italian Serie A1 Softball league. This marks her first foray back onto Italian soil since securing the coveted scudetto title with Forlì in 2021. Her journey has taken her across continents, experiencing the pinnacle of professional softball in both the American Athletes Unlimited league and the Japan Diamond Softball League. Since 2022, she has been a key player for SG Holding Galaxy Star, further honing her skills and contributing to the team’s success in the competitive Japanese league.Erika,a talented athlete born in Modena in 1996 and raised in california,is embarking on a journey that feels like a homecoming. This is due in part to her mother, Loredana Auletta, taking the helm as coach of the Emilian team last summer. Auletta, a legendary figure in Italian softball, boasts an impressive career.She led the Italian national team to the Sydney 2000 games and played for prominent clubs like Fortitudo Bologna and Crocetta Parma before concluding her career in Forlì. Interestingly, Forlì also marks the starting point of Erika’s professional journey. She made her Italian Cup debut there in 2012. Between 2018 and 2021, erika showcased her prowess on the field, participating in 72 championship games and achieving remarkable statistics: 25 home runs, 69 runs batted in, and an impressive triple line of .421/.532/.763. This return to her roots promises to be an exciting chapter for Erika, both personally and professionally.Collecchio Baseball Softball Welcomes Star Athlete Erika Piancastelli
In a significant move for the Emilian team, Italian softball star Erika Piancastelli officially joined Bertazzoni Collecchio. The signing ceremony took place on january 3rd, marking a new chapter for both Piancastelli and the club.
Piancastelli, a prominent figure in Italian softball, brings a wealth of experience and talent to Collecchio. Her arrival is expected to bolster the team’s performance and elevate their standing in the league. the signing was celebrated at a press conference attended by key figures, including head coach Loredana Auletta and club president Oreste Ponzi.
Piancastelli’s addition to the roster comes at an exciting time for Italian softball. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with increased participation and media coverage. This signing reflects Collecchio’s commitment to attracting top talent and competing at the highest level.
Photo: Erika Piancastelli (centre) symbolically signs the contract with Bertazzoni collecchio during the press conference held on Friday 3 January. On the left Loredana Auletta, head coach of the Emilian team, on the right the president of Collecchio Baseball Softball, Oreste Ponzi. Credit: Corrado Benedetti.
Collecchio Baseball Softball Welcomes Star Athlete Erika Piancastelli
In a significant move for the Emilian team, Italian softball star Erika Piancastelli officially joined Bertazzoni collecchio. The signing ceremony took place on January 3rd, marking a new chapter for both Piancastelli and the club.
Piancastelli, a prominent figure in Italian softball, brings a wealth of experience and talent to Collecchio. her arrival is expected to bolster the team’s performance and elevate their standing in the league.The signing was celebrated at a press conference attended by key figures,including head coach Loredana Auletta and club president Oreste Ponzi.
Piancastelli’s addition to the roster comes at an exciting time for Italian softball. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with increased participation and media coverage. This signing reflects Collecchio’s commitment to attracting top talent and competing at the highest level.
Photo: Erika Piancastelli (centre) symbolically signs the contract with Bertazzoni Collecchio during the press conference held on Friday 3 January. On the left Loredana Auletta, head coach of the Emilian team, on the right the president of Collecchio Baseball Softball, Oreste Ponzi. Credit: Corrado Benedetti.
Bertazzoni Collecchio makes Statement Signing, adding Erika Piancastelli for 2024 Season
The softball world is abuzz following the announcement that Italian powerhouse Bertazzoni Collecchio has secured the services of star player Erika Piancastelli. This move, confirmed on January 3rd, sends a powerful message about CollecchioS ambitions for the upcoming season.
Piancastelli is a proven winner, boasting an notable trophy cabinet. Four European Championship titles (2015, 2019, 2021, and 2024) with the Italian national team are just the tip of the iceberg. Her experience on the international stage, including a memorable Olympic run in Tokyo 2020 where she amassed 127 appearances, makes her a formidable addition to any squad.
This signing isn’t just about talent; it’s about homecoming. Piancastelli, born in Modena and raised in california, is returning to her roots. The move poignantly mirrors her mother, Loredana Auletta’s appointment as Collecchio’s coach last summer. Auletta,an Italian softball legend in her own right,guided the national team to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and boasts a stellar club career.
Piancastelli’s professional journey started in Forlì, the same club where Auletta concluded her career. After honing her skills in the american Athletes Unlimited league and the Japan Diamond Softball League, Piancastelli leaves SG Holding Galaxy Star, returning to the familiar landscape of the Italian Serie A1 softball league with a chance to build upon her previous scudetto title win with Forlì in 2021.
This acquisition is a game-changer for Bertazzoni Collecchio. After a strong performance last season, consistently challenging for the top spot in the Italian softball championship, the addition of Piancastelli signals a clear intention to compete for both domestic and international titles.
the Impact:
Instant Contender: Piancastelli’s arrival instantly elevates Bertazzoni Collecchio to contender status for the Italian title.
International Aspirations: With Piancastelli’s pedigree, the team’s sights are set on European and perhaps even global aspirations.
* Mother-Daughter Dynamic: The combination of Piancastelli and Auletta creates a unique dynamic and promises a captivating storyline to follow throughout the season.
The softball community eagerly awaits the return of Erika Piancastelli to Italian soil and the debut of this powerful duo in the Serie A1 Softball league. 2024 is shaping up to be a highly competitive and exciting year for Italian softball.
